County’s patient watchdog appeals to Lincolnshire people to help health and social care services recover from Covid-19 with #BecauseWeAllCare campaign

A recent Healthwatch England poll shows that people are more grateful for the health and care services they receive - particularly GP and hospital services - since the

outbreak.

As a result two thirds of people in England say they are more willing to help improve health and social care services since the outbreak of Covid-19 and so Healthwatch Lincolnshire is calling on residents to join its campaign.

While NHS and social care services are doing everything they can to support you and your loved ones, the watchdog says the bodies need to know how they can improve by people sharing their experiences of care.

The new #BecauseWeAllCare campaign is being run by HWLincs and the Care Quality Commission.

It aims to help services identify and, more importantly, address issues people are experiencing with their care.

Have you had an experience of an online GP appointment, changes to support as a carer, or any other type of care or support from a health or social care service during COVID-19?

No matter how big or small they want to hear how you think services in Lincolnshire can improve by taking part in the short, confidential survey.

You can take part online by clicking on the link or you can telephone or email by calling 01205 820892 or [email protected].

Share your experience, and encourage others to do so, on social media with #BecauseWeAllCare on Twitter or Facebook.

The Healthwatch England survey also revealed:

* Three-quarters (76 per cent) of people surveyed said that feedback is an important way to improve services yet, despite greater public willingness to contribute, some

barriers still remain.

* A third of respondents (36 per cent) said they would be reluctant to provide negative feedback in case it increases pressure on services or staff.

* A fifth (18 per cent) of people now consider themselves even less likely to provide negative feedback on care. Among the key reasons cited were a recognition of the

challenging circumstances health care staff face (56 per cent) and not wanting to cause further issues for services to deal with (42 per cent).

* People aged 18-34 have had the greatest change in attitudes towards care during the pandemic. The polling suggests that as well as supporting health causes, this age group is now significantly more likely to give feedback on care (72 per cent), and to donate to or fundraise for a relevant health cause (52 per cent).

“These findings are good news,” commented Sir Robert Francis, chairman of Healthwatch England. “As the UK looks to the future after Covid-19, it has never been more important for people to share their experiences of care. Services won’t bounce back overnight, there will be problems to tackle but also opportunities to make care better. You can help doctors, nurses and care workers find ways to improve support by sharing your experience.”